Endometriosis Specialist

What causes endometriosis?

The exact cause of the condition isn’t known for certain, but several theories may explain how endometriosis happens. These include:

•         Retrograde menstruation: uterine cells move back up the fallopian tubes, stick there, and start to grow
•         Through a process called induction theory, certain cells may transform into uterine cells
•         Scar implantation: uterine cells stick to the surgical scar tissue after C-sections or hysterectomies
•         Lymphatic system transfer: cells from the uterus move to other locations through the lymph system
•         Immune disorder: the body’s immune system may fail to recognize and remove endometrial cells growing outside the uterus.

What symptoms accompany endometriosis?

The main symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, usually associated with menstrual periods, but much more severe than typical menstrual pain. This pain may also increase over time. Symptoms of endometriosis include:

•         Cramping and pain before, during and after the menstrual period
•         Lower back and abdominal pain
•         Pain during and after sex
•         Pain accompanying urination or bowel movements, particularly during the menstrual period
•         Excessive menstrual bleeding during and between periods
•         Infertility: endometriosis is often first diagnosed when a woman seeks infertility treatment
•         Fatigue, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation, particularly around menstrual periods

The severity of endometriosis pain is not an indication of the advancement of the condition. Some women with advanced endometriosis have little pain. Others, with mild cases, may experience extreme pain.

How is endometriosis treated?

Treatment ranges from medication to surgery. Conservative treatments start the process, with surgery remaining a last resort. Pain medications usually fall into the first stage of treatment. If a patient takes maximum doses without relief, hormone therapy is next, as birth control pills, patches, and vaginal rings may offer symptom relief. Progestin therapy also proves helpful, as do a range of other drugs. Surgical removal of endometrial tissue may be done conventionally or laparoscopically. In extreme cases, hysterectomy may be necessary.